James Barrett Howe

James “Barry” Barrett Howe, age 67 of Ashland, passed away Friday, February 5, 2021 at his residence. He was born on January 14, 1954, in Ashland, the son of the late Rodney Richard and Mary Jean (McVicker) Howe. Barry had been a lifelong resident of Ashland and was a graduate of Ashland High School, Class of 1973. He was the owner/ operator of Diamond Lawn Care.

Barry was an avid sports fan, following the Browns, Cavs, and AHS. But in the past ten years, he had most passionately followed Ashland University men and women's sports- football, basketball, baseball, softball, and soccer. He attended almost all home games and also did road trips to away games in other states with his sports buddies Tony and Bobby. He was friends with most of the AU coaches and a very loyal fan. Barry owned an '89 Harley Davidson, which he rode as often as possible, weather permitting. He often took off to "tool around" Ohio, sometimes with no destination in mind. Once, he got the adventure bug and rode to Rochester NY, for a surprise visit with his sister Becky and Keith. Barry was a free spirit. He loved his bike.

Survivors include his brother, R. Richard Howe II of Ashland; his sisters, Rebecca (Keith) Gleasman of Fairport, NY., J. Kathleen Albright of Altamonte Springs, FL., Melody F. Goff of West Chester, OH., Mary A. Howe of Westerville, OH., and Sarah G. (Randy) Cleland of Ashland; nieces and nephews Rev. Elizabeth Howe, WI, Kathryn (Blake) Crabtree, OH, Andrew and Alexander Gleasman, NY, Maj. Nicholas (Stephanie) Albright, Germany, Christina Dilly, FL, Drew (Jennifer) Goff, MI, Marisa (Jason) Booth, OH. Jackson Cleland, OH,Hope Cleland, OH, Eric Cleland, OH, and Ally Cleland, OH. Barry also had 11 great nieces and nephews. 

In addition to his parents, Barry was preceded in death by his brother, Mark Sterling Howe.

His family will receive friends and guests at 9:30 A.M. on Saturday, June 26, 2021 at Heyl Funeral Home, followed by his funeral service at 10:30 A.M. officiated by Pastor Mike Weaver and interment service at Ashland Cemetery.

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